Discovering the Essence of Porkfat Thai Restaurant in Sydney
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Haymarket, Porkfat Thai Restaurant stands as a testament to the rich, complex, and deeply comforting traditions of Thai cuisine. Located at 33 Ultimo Road, this culinary destination has quickly become a focal point for those seeking an authentic taste of Thailand within the bustling urban landscape of Sydney. The restaurant captures the spirit of traditional Thai street food culture while elevating it through a commitment to high-quality ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. For locals and visitors alike, stepping into Porkfat is an invitation to explore a menu that balances bold flavors with a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere.
The philosophy behind the kitchen is rooted in the belief that great food should be both soulful and precise. By focusing on the fundamental pillars of Thai cooking—the delicate harmony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy—the chefs at Porkfat create dishes that resonate with depth. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast of Southeast Asian flavors or a newcomer curious about the nuances of Thai gastronomy, the restaurant offers an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly distinct. It is a place where the pace of Sydney slows down, allowing guests to appreciate the craftsmanship behind every bowl, plate, and aromatic serving.
What Makes Porkfat Thai Restaurant Unique
Authentic Culinary Heritage: The menu is curated to reflect genuine Thai recipes that prioritize traditional preparation methods. By avoiding modern shortcuts, the kitchen ensures that every dish maintains the integrity and depth of flavor expected from a truly authentic Thai establishment.
Strategic Location in Haymarket: Situated at 33 Ultimo Road, the restaurant is perfectly positioned for those exploring the cultural hubs of Sydney. Its accessibility makes it an ideal spot for a mid-day meal or a relaxed evening dinner after wandering through the nearby markets and city landmarks.
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: A core aspect of the restaurant's success is its dedication to sourcing fresh produce and high-quality proteins. This focus on the raw components of each dish allows the natural flavors to shine, creating a dining experience that feels clean, vibrant, and satisfying.
Atmosphere and Hospitality: Beyond the food, Porkfat is known for its warm and inviting environment. The service is designed to be attentive yet unobtrusive, mirroring the hospitable nature of Thai culture and ensuring that every guest feels comfortable throughout their visit.
The culinary landscape of Sydney is incredibly diverse, yet Porkfat Thai Restaurant manages to carve out a unique space by staying true to its roots. The restaurant does not rely on trends or gimmicks; instead, it relies on the consistency of its kitchen and the genuine passion of its team. Each visit offers a chance to experience the nuances of regional Thai cooking, presented in a way that is accessible to everyone. The focus remains steadfast on the plate, ensuring that the textures and aromas are perfectly balanced to provide a memorable meal.
As you navigate the busy streets of Haymarket, finding a place that offers both comfort and culinary excellence is a rare find. Porkfat Thai Restaurant succeeds in providing exactly that. It is a destination for those who value the artistry of cooking and the joy of sharing a meal in a space that feels like a neighborhood staple. Whether you are planning a casual lunch or a more deliberate dinner, the restaurant provides a consistent and high-quality experience that highlights the very best of Thai culinary traditions in the heart of New South Wales.
In conclusion, Porkfat Thai Restaurant at 33 Ultimo Road represents a thoughtful approach to dining. By honoring the history of its cuisine while maintaining a high standard of service and ingredient selection, it has established itself as a reliable and cherished part of the Sydney food scene. We invite you to visit and discover the flavors that make this restaurant a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy an authentic and heartfelt Thai meal in the city.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Organic dishes
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Atmosphere
Cozy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Menus
Photos
Reviews Porkfat Thai Restaurant Sydney
Rebecca Thompson
30-05-2026
Excellent Thai food! We ordered 3 mains, all were great - best tasting chicken larb I have eaten anywhere! Took our 11 year old who is not overly keen on chilli so sauces were served on the side which suited everyone. Service was great … More
T. “Apop” Bunyakeat
30-05-2026
“Authentic Thai Food”
So Yummy!
The food here is truly authentic Thai, rich in flavor and absolutely delicious.
You must try the Pad Thai? it’s a highlight!
Service was great, and the staff were very friendly and attentive. Like I’m having meals at home.
Can’t wait to come back!
Price per person
$200+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Seating type
Indoor dining area
ivan.
30-05-2026
Personally I enjoyed the taste and food quality. A good place to enjoy Thai food.
The slight downsides are the portion and the overall service experience.
The food is yummy so I wish the portion can be slightly more generous, considering the price paid.
Service is friendly and attentive but it could be a 5 star experience if the prawn curry we ordered was given to us first, not to the table beside us who came later than us. I guessed they had forgotten our order because the order came later after we reminded them. Also, it is always nice to check in with diners how is the experience so far when the bill is settled, nothing was asked.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Nader S
30-05-2026
Wonderful staff. Food is excellent. But way way overpriced for what you get (thai classics done right but in a place without a bathroom and without any creative twists). The papaya salad is $29. Recommend skipping this place. If you have money to spend go to one of the better known fine dining places and you will end up spending less. More
Hhh Family
30-05-2026
I cannot recommend PORKFAT enough. The food is outstanding. Explosions of flavour in each dish. Hard to pick a favourite but the barramundi was amazing! The staff are so friendly and thoughtful. We had 3 generations dining, and the team … More
T. “Apop” Bunyakeat
30-05-2026
“Authentic Thai Food”
So Yummy! … More
Cynthia Ignatius
30-05-2026
This restaurant has become one of my favourite restaurants! We ordered the pork jowl, crispy pork belly, red beef curry, and the June special—crab fried rice. Every dish was packed with flavor and had a really nice kick of spice. The pork … More
The hungry Caterpillar
30-05-2026
Overhyped, over priced and underwhelming. Will not be back.
This is my honest review from someone who has traveled the globe, eating food … More
ivan.
30-05-2026
Personally I enjoyed the taste and food quality. A good place to enjoy Thai food. … More
Colin Hardy
30-05-2026
It’s such a treat to experience Thai food this delicious, super high quality and authentic. It’s cooked & served by an enthusiastic team who are proud of what they’re doing - not surprising as they’ve all worked with the legend that is … More
onJuice Nguyen
30-05-2026
Very small place. Only can fit a small number of tables both up and downstairs. Staff was friendly and helpful. … More
Mia Nguyen
30-05-2026
Dropped in for lunch and were seated straight away. It’s a small, cozy restaurant with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The staff were lovely and attentive — they refilled our water, helped pour drinks, and provided wipes after the meal, which was a thoughtful touch. Food came out quickly.
The flavours are on the milder side and not what I’d consider fully authentic Thai. Not overly salty, sweet, or spicy, which makes the food easy to enjoy and adjust to your own taste.
Crab fried rice: Tasty. Served with fish sauce on the side, which helped enhance the flavour.
Pork fat larb: Simple and decent, but very mild even at medium spicy
Tamarind chicken wings: Crispy and enjoyable.
One downside was the fried garlic — it was slightly burnt and bitter across all dishes. If improved, it would really elevate the overall experience.
Overall, an enjoyable meal with great service, but pricing is on the higher side.
Would return? Possibly, though value for money could be better.
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Richard Kwok
30-05-2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5 — Authentic Thai Flavours with Great Execution (but small portions & premium pricing) … More
Khris Caguin-Apolonio
30-05-2026
As luck would have it we walked in on a Saturday night and managed to get a table for two. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Food was delicious (Tamarind Chicken and Barramundi with 3 sauces), friendly & attentive service and just all around Excellent! More
Maggie
30-05-2026
An exceptional dining experience. From the moment you walk in, the staff are incredible, from the front desk to the waiters at the table. The food was outstanding, a genuine 10 out of 10. They also catered to my son’s allergies which I … More
Christine Winter
30-05-2026
We had the most delicious meal tonight. As soon as we arrived we felt so welcomed. We throughly enjoyed the Pork belly, sand crab fried rice, pork jowl green curry and crying tiger beef. OMG 🤤🤤🤤 everything tasted beyond amazing and so so … More
David Dean
30-05-2026
Of all the Thai restaurants I’ve been to in Australia this has to be one of the best if not the best. Each dish was showcase of the magic created in the kitchen. Floor staff were professional and helpful. We bought a bottle of natural Grenache wine that simply complimented the food. It’s simply stunning!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Amphawa's Homemade Coconut Ice Cream, Red Curry Brisket, Deep Fried Pork Belly with Chilli Lime
Group size
3-4 people
Charlie Fa
30-05-2026
I went to Porkfat with high expectations, the restaurant describing itself as refined Thai cuisine and showcasing honest and good quality ingredients.
It appears that the chefs make their own pastes and sauces mostly from scratch using fresh ingredients. That can only be commended as it is uncommon in Sydney due to the labour intensive processes and higher costs. This would, at least in part, explain the significantly high price on the menu.
They serve Thai dishes in smaller portions and with semi refined presentation.
The main issue here is flavours and balances. Flavour profiles are not as typically expected in Thai food and it would be a great point of difference if it retained the balance of taste so essential in Thai cuisine.
The larb’s meat was well cooked and would have been delicious if it wasn’t drowned in overly sweet and tart sauce. The tamarind flavour is usually a beautiful but here it overpowered the balance. The toasted rice powder (Khao kua) which brings larb together as its signature flavour was nowhere to be found or maybe too deep under the sauces to be enjoyed.
The green curry was lacking punch and tasted a bit flat and was unnecessarily oily. Split coconut milk is typically a great quality in green curry but here it felt like more oil was added and it was drowning in it.
The pork jowl was perhaps the better dish but also not mind blowing either.
I had high expectations for the coconut ice cream dessert, having had it in many shape and forms in Thailand, with sometime smoked or candle scented coconut milk giving it depth. Here it fell a bit flat again with overly sweet ordinary tasting coconut flavour.
In short I had high expectations and was excited to enjoy Porkfat food, but it was generally a flop due to disappointing flavours. I would still like to highlight that the waiting staff were friendly and welcoming but that isn’t enough to make me want to visit a second time.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100–120
Food: 2
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Noise level
Moderate noise
R W
30-05-2026
I really wanted to enjoy our meal when visiting here, but we left with mixed feelings.
The service was fantastic and the vibe was good. The staff were friendly and extremely attentive.
Our first order was a wagyu beef Phanaeng curry. It wasn't like other Thai currys I've had - it had a much richer and deeper flavor. I personally felt that a bit more sweetness would have elevated it. What wasn't great though was the amount of oil in the dish - it was swimming on top of it. Once stirred in, it was ok, but it kept settling on top.
Our second order was a special for February - a prik khing with 'fluffy salmon'. I genuinely have no idea what the chef was aiming for as part of this dish. What we received was a bowl of deep fried crunchy stuff (that had a deep fried crispy batter like consistency) with green beans and salted egg. The whole dish was extremely oily and didn't really have a lot of flavor. There was no pieces of salmon - I think it must have beenade into a paste and then deep fried. It was not a pleasant dish.
All in all, because we had two oily dishes (which is kind of our fault in ordering I guess), it wasn't a great meal. But I feel that the prik khing dish really brought the meal quality down.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 2
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Irene
30-05-2026
Rating: 10/10
I love a restaurant with a focused menu, and Porkfat gets it exactly right - they offer a curated selection and execute every single dish to perfection.
The Barramundi with 3 spices was the absolute standout; incredible flavor and texture. I would come back again just for that fish. The space is great, too - spacious with plenty of natural light.
Service was excellent: fast, friendly, and attentive. A flawless dining experience.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Deep Fried Whole Barramundi with Three Flavour Sauce, Green Curry with Pork Jowl, Deep-Fried Whole Barramundi with Three Flavour, Deep Fried Pork Belly with Chilli Lime
Noise level
Very quiet
Kevin Lee
30-05-2026
We ordered 4 dishes to share between the 2 of us: spanner crab fried rice, crispy pork jowl, red curry with beef brisket, and chinese broccoli with shiitake mushrooms. They were all excellent, especially the fried rice which paired really well with the fish sauce served on the side, and the curry which was both aromatic and had a nice spicy kick to it.
What I do want to call out is the outstanding service. Some small touches which really made for a great experience: napkins were proactively brought over by the service staff once we had started eating the red curry and we told them when ordering that our heat tolerance was so-so, and a plate of complementary cucumber slices with some palm sugar was given after we finished our meal, again to counter the heat from the curry and cool down the palate.
If you're after authentic Thai food with great service, then Porkfat is the place to be!
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Stephen K
30-05-2026
Came here with friends visiting from London who had read about Porkfat.
The restaurant is a chef hat awarded restaurant so we were expecting something extra special. Well it didn't dissapoint. Incredible atmosphere, outstanding service. Without a doubt the best service we have ever received eating out.
The food is very well presented. We ordered the whole deep fried barramundi and asked if we could get small servings of just about everything on the menu so we could try. They were happy to accommodate.
With everything being cooked in pork fat, it really adds to the flavours. The crispy pork belly with lime and chilli and the pork jowl was outstanding.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
2 people
Vegetarian options
Yes
Dietary restrictions
No
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid parking lot, Paid street parking
Kid-friendliness
No
Wheelchair accessibility
Yes
Reviews Porkfat Thai Restaurant Sydney